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Birthday Blessings Giveaway

So today is my Birthday, yay, and I really mean it this year! Seriously though I cannot believe another year has come and gone! Where the heck did our year go? For most of my life I’ve kinda got short changed with having my Birthday right after Christmas so I’ve never really celebrated or made a big deal about it. This year I am viewing my special day in a whole new light. I don’t have anything special planned, but in my heart and mind I do! A lot of us don’t get the opportunity to go all out, but we sure can do a whole lot for ourselves emotionally. I am going to try my hardest to accomplish all of the things that I have wanted to do for myself. It may take me a while, but it’s something that I am determined to do. Isn’t that what lifes all about…doing what makes us the happiest.?

I recently posted a quote, “A Lot Can Happen In A Year” and have been reflecting on that a lot lately. This quote is so true isn’t it?! It was almost a year ago today that I was in an accident and unfortunately spent my last birthday in bed and in an out of the doctor’s office. I’ve spent nearly the entire year in therapy, in more pain than I care to admit, lots of days spent in bed, lots of tears of both pain and frustration, not a good time, but this year I am feeling so much better, not so much physically, but mentally.

I’m not saying at all that the accident was a good thing, but it forced me and gave me the opportunity to reflect on how I was speeding through each and every day. It forced me to slow down “a lot” and re-evaluate how I was going about things. I’ve always been one to stop and appreciate the little things, especially when my kids are around, but never really took too much time for myself. As a single mom, I’ve always been in go mode (I’m sure a lot of you can relate, right?) always just plowing forward like a robot, day in and day out, solely concentrating on work, my kids, their schedules, the pets, etc., but never really on me. My whole goal everyday (literally for my entire life) besides the norm, was to work as hard as I can so I can give my kids and I a better, easier life and in the process always put aside what made me happy. There are two different kinds of happy, for me anyway, the pure love you get from your children and then the feelings you get from doing something just for yourself, whatever that may be. For me, it’s my creative side that fills me with so much happiness, there seriously isn’t anything like it. I think we are all given a gift. Some of us know it right away, some of us have to search a bit for it, but either way I think we are meant to share our gift with others once we do find out what it is. It’s the giving that makes our hearts grow in so many ways and I have to say I truly find so much joy in giving, even the smallest of things.

So going forward I am going to work on stepping out of my comfort zone to pursue those things. I’m going to take time out for myself (and hope you do as well) even if it’s just a few minutes here and there. I’m going to keep my faith strong and keep moving forward with a happy heart and to trust the timing in my life.

I’ve been working on a series of pieces that reflect the “love and appreciation” I have in my life and thought this would be a nice piece to pass on. I can never say it enough, the heartfelt gratitude I have for you all. Your constant love, support and inspiration means more to me than I can ever put into words. You all have been such a wonderful part of my life and am so happy that I have you here to share it with. I realize more and more every day. “That while life is not always easy, it can be beautiful”. So my wish to you is “ “May your life be as beautiful as you are.”

Ok, so a bit about the giveaway! This one was inspired by an old vintage “Ex Voto” piece. Starting from a wood heart. “Just another reminder that even though life is sometimes hard, we can still make it beautiful”. I added my tea stained papers with a bit of french script and vintage roses coated with a light wash of white. The outside of the heart is painted in gold, also with a light wash of white. The back reads…J’ Adore “I Love” a simple daily reminder. The top is adorned with an old jewelry bit and a vintage rhinestone and from the bottom hangs a few clear crystals, a gold wooden bead and strands of painted jute twine. The piece hangs from a strip of torn white linen.

Please post a comment here on the blog (only once please) with something you hope to do “just for you” in the coming year. The giveaway will run until midnight (est) Friday January 2nd . The winner will be randomly selected at that time.

This piece is filled with lots of love and intention from my heart to yours! Best of luck to you!

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34 thoughts on “Birthday Blessings Giveaway”

My birthday is December 26th & my wedding anniversary is December 28th! Great timing, no? If I had it to do over again, I’d still get married at Christmas. We had a beautiful, candle lit ceremony in our tiny little stone chapel & it started snowing (again) when we left the church. I hope to have time to be creative this year, in my garden, my home & my artwork. A very happy birthday to you!

My birthday is two days before Christmas so I understand the feeling that you get lost in the other chaos of the season. But I am finding that I can celebrate in the season because I share a birthday month with some very special people, because we share a birth month with JESUS. Celebrate, enjoy , eat cake, soak in a bubble bath, enjoy!

Thanksgiving, 2013, my husband of 47 1/2 years passed away, so I barely remember last Christmas. This one was bittersweet, but I managed to get through it pretty well, as I’m trying very hard to think more positive thoughts these days. In 2015, what I hope to do for myself is to ‘get back to work” at making pretty things. The urge to ‘make’ is returning….and I usually add a heart somewhere on every piece I create. I wish you a wonderful birthday with a very Healthy and Happy New Year ahead!

I have been contemplating, for quite some time, possibly having an online store featuring painted ‘furniture’ pieces, pillows, signs or whatever else pops into my mind. I do have a regular 36 hr a week job, but I have been doing the same thing for 25 years – getting way to burned out! Well, my husband found out a week before Christmas that his place of employment of 30 years is closing! Trying to stay positive, with 2 kids in college, I finally will get enough courage to open up my little ‘shop’ to help out with the bills (and mostly doing something for myself that I absolutely love to do! Hope you have a Wonderful Birthday!

I will be spending a LOT of time with my 83 year old step dad this year. He and my mother were married 45 years before she passed in August. I spend every weekend with him now, and while my personal life is on hold for a while, I can’t think of a better gift to give to him…my time. He is all I have left now as my biological father also passed this year in June, and while it doesn’t seem like this is for me…it is. He is the last of my parental front. He is the last link to my childhood and all the memories that were built in what will be my 55th year in 2015. God is amazingly good and regardless of any setbacks, painful moments, regrets or pitfalls, the good far outweighs the bad. I am blessed.

I wish you a happy birthday and may 2015 also be one of continued healing for you.

Oh wow, I am so very sorry to hear that! I cannot imagine what you have been going through at such a young age. I am hoping that your health is improving every day. I know this is just a small thing, but love that a piece of my heart is coming to yours. Wishing you a New Year filled with good health and happiness.

What a beautiful text you gifted us for your birthday! Life is a daily learning process… sometimes we would just like to skip some classes! But we have a so loving Saviour that rests beside us during our precious journey… without Him we wouldn´t be able to do much. December 20th was my birthday. I hope to take more good care of myself next year. I deserve it…

Reading your post, I realized how much we have in common. You found me on Instagram and started following and I did the same. I’m also a single mom and my birthday is January 6th. I think mine is to close to holidays too.
I do hope your birthday is a wonderful one with many blessings. I’m pretty sure you deserve a grand day so glad you are doing that today.
Happy birthday Tammy!!

My gift is being able to work in a self-contained Special Education classroom!! I love my students as if they are mine. My hope is to make these sweet children love school and learning; my resolution is to be thankful for the health I have. Although I have many health aliments, it could be so much worse.

Birthday blessings to you. One of my goals this year is to find my way both literally and figuratively. For me this means overcoming certain fears. Hoping your New Year is packed with beautiful expression and success.

I too, am a December baby! Happy Birthday to us! My goal for 2015 is to keep my health issues in check by healing naturally. I’ve already lost 12 lbs and I’m on my way to a healthier New Year! Feeling blessed

Oh, Tammy, what beautiful post. First off, Happy Birthday sweet lady! Your post comes to me on the day after I set my intentions for my own self for 2015. An accident which broke my neck 11 years ago this coming February ended my dream of being a fit, drug free, on stage fitness competitor. I let my pain for the many years to follow control my thought process. It was so overwhelming I just gave in and gave up on hope.
My birthday is this coming Saturday. When I realized I was going to be 54….eeks….can’t believe I am there already(!)… I decided it was time to
re-visit my dreams. I even made a vision board with photos, magazine pics, and cut out words….beautiful and powrrful words, to place on my board.
I too have had the short end of the stick when it comes to my birthday. Not this year!
Having been a Personal Trainer in the past, I know what it will take to commit and reach my goal one year from tomorrow. My goal is to be in the best physical shape and living my healthiest life to dste. I have contacted a Sports Photographer, KentLPhotography, and have asked if he would consider doing a photo shoot. He was so kind and encouraging after hearing a bit of my story.
Another goal I have committed to is teaching and coaching women and teens to learn to love and respect themselves. To be all they can be by not following the trends or the crowds. To be their own unique individuals that have something special inside of themselves that they need to share with the world.
Tammy, I have followed you for a while now, have shared your page and blog with my own followers and readers. It is an honor and a pleasure. I will be watching and reading about your self care with loving anticipation this coming year and beyond.
My new motto: I can, I will. Watch me!
Sending you healing hugs. Xo
Sue

Happy Birthday sweet friend! My birthday just passed on Dec. 10th…we’re both December babies! My goal for 2015 is to set time aside to get my etsy shop back and up and running. I have missed that so. It’s so easy to let life get in the way of doing the things that bring you great joy. XO

I also have had the time to look at my life due to an accident and realize that it’s very important to take the time to “smell the roses”. I have 4 beautiful grandchildren and spending time with them is priceless. But I think that it’s very important to spend time with ourselves and know that everything will be alright in the end.

I will be 68 yrs. old n 1/16/15. After a year of surgeries and recovering, i look forward to sewing & gardening. Purging my home of items not used for years and enjoying good health with my husband of 48 yrs. We love to tour and photograph old homes and Painted Ladies, and look forward to more of these special times.

Happy Birthday to you! I hear what you are saying. My oldest daughter was born on Christmas Day and I have to always remind myself to be sure and wish her a ‘Happy Birthday’. Easy to forget with all the hustle and bustle. I have always made a point to not combine her Christmas and birthday gifts. Hope that counts for something. lol! I feel really blessed and I do want to just take more quite time and reflect upon the things that are really important in life. Love your sweet give away! Have a wonderful New Year!
hugs,
Jann